Jalphonse

Hi Steve, Thank you so much for clarifying the situation with the 888 Visa. You have eased my concerns and those of many others in the community, I'm sure. It's a relief to hear that existing applications remain unaffected by the suspension. Although the wait and uncertainty around processing times can be daunting, having a clearer understanding of the current state of affairs is incredibly valuable. I truly appreciate the time you've taken to share your knowledge. If there are any updates or further insights you come across, please do share them in this thread. It would be immensely helpful for all of us navigating the 188 and 888 visa pathways. Best regards, John

Hello PomzinOz Community, I’m reaching out for some clarity amidst the recent changes to the 888 Visa. After reading about its abolition [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12990395/888-visa-Australia-Major-change-Chinese-investors.html], I'm left wondering about the implications for those of us who have already submitted our applications versus those planning to apply. Here’s my dilemma: Does anyone know if the abolition of the 888 Visa is going to impact current applicants retrospectively, or is it only going to affect new applicants moving forward? I am a 888B Investor Visa applicant. And, in the spirit of looking for a silver lining, do you think these changes could potentially lead to faster processing for the existing 888 visa applications? I'm really hoping to get insights from anyone who's either in the same boat or has navigated similar changes before. Your experiences, any advice, or information you can share would be immensely helpful. Appreciate your time and help in advance! Best, John

Hello all, I had a few queries on the 888B visa application. Would love to hear your thoughts: 1. After 4.5 years of holding the qualifying investment, are we required to maintain the qualifying investment with the treasury bonds or can that be invested in any other financial products of our choice? 2. While the 888B visa is being processed are there any conditions that need to be met while on the bridging visa, especially with respect to investments, that will be looked at by the home office as criteria to issue the grant? 3. As I understand, once the 188B visa expires, I will be on the BVA. Can I apply for the BVB and choose to remain outside Australia for a period of 4-5 months in a year? Are there any restrictions? How difficult is it to obtain the BVB? 4. While on the BVA, do we have access to Medicare? Thanks, John

Hi, I just heard from my friend Emil who applied for his 888 Visa in January 2021 and received a grant Monday this week (July 2022). He was primary holder of 188B Investor visa. The processing time is 16-17 months. Has anyone else received their 888 Visa grant? Have the processing times improved? Kindly update.

Hi everyone, Asking for a friend in India: Has anyone on a 188b visa traveled to Australia in the recent past? I know there is an exemption on the Business visa (188 class) category but want to understand if there is something she needs to keep in mind when traveling, such as documentation etc. If there's someone on this forum who has traveled recently from India to Australia or is privy to information that might help, please respond. Thank you.

Hi Manrug, TiMoniSam, Asif Sheikh, 3Together, I just received the grant today! Yay! It took me close to 18 months from application to grant. My best wishes to all of you waiting for your turn. I will checking this forum periodically, so if you have any questions and/or need any guidance I will be glad to help in whatever way I can. All the best, J

Not yet, the last stages are a bit of a drag. Hopefully soon.

Yes, with a 188b you can work in Australia.

Thanks, I will wait until grant though to uncork the bubbly My best wishes to all 188b applicants on this forum

After medicals, it’s a long wait brother. You can anticipate a wait of a minimum of 12-14 months.

Additional info on qualifying investments and path of funds.

Another update: I submitted all the requested documents and received a request to make the designated investment of AUD 1.5 within 70 days.

28 days to submit all the documents.

Update: After 14.5 months, I have received a request for more information from the case officer. Hopefully it picks up pace from here. Anyone has any thoughts to share on how their application went after request for additional information and how long it typically takes for a decision from this point on?

Yes, I’d say you shouldn’t expect for a case worker to look up your file until at least May 2020. If your application is accurate and you are confident of your documentation viz., source/path of funds, you should plan to liquidate your assets by July 2020 and be prepared to invest in the bonds when you receive the invite. Good luck.

Hi Indo, Please refer to my response to other threads on this query. How are you doing with your application? You seem to have applied in the same month as me (May 2018).

Hi TiMoniSam, Thank you for sharing your experience in great detail. I have shared my case details on this thread, so please look it up for your reference. Myself and my spouse have applied to VIC, 13 months ago and still waiting. Will keep you posted of any developments. My assessment is it will take anywhere between 16-18 months from date of filing to actual grant of the visa.

Hi Manrug, I can confirm that you have 70 days from the time you are invited (this is prior to the actual grant of the visa) to make the investment of 1.5 mln in treasury bonds. Any other time frames you may hear are incorrect. Hope this helps

Hi Asif, Sorry I have been silent on this forum. My questions did not have any takers for so long that I imagined no one would ever respond (also because the volume of applications for the 188b stream is super thin). It appears I got all my dates incorrect by a month. I lodged my visa application on 26th May 2018. Following the request for medical and PC and subsequent completion of the same on 26th June 2018, I haven’t heard back from the department yet. This is my 13th month after lodging of my application. Hopefully, I should hear from them request for additional documentation etc., in the next 3-4 months. Did you end up filing your application? Love to hear how yours went. Glad to be of any help.

Hi Raxy123, Sorry I have been silent on this forum. My questions did not have any takers for so long that I imagined no one would ever respond (also because the volume of applications for the 188b stream is super thin). It appears I got all my dates incorrect by a month. I lodged my visa application on 26th May 2018. Following the request for medical and PC and subsequent completion of the same on 26th June 2018, I haven’t heard back from the department yet. This is my 13th month after lodging of my application. Hopefully, I should hear from them request for additional documentation etc., in the next 3-4 months. Did you end up filing your application? Love to hear how yours went. Glad to be of any help.

Hi there, We applied for the Business Visa (Investor) subclass 188b. Here’s the time line and status so far: - EOI and State Nomination (NSW) on 09/03/18 - Nomination granted on 31/03/18 - Visa application on 26/04/18 - Medical and police clearance completed - 25/05/18 Can someone help with the following questions, please? 1. Is the request for medical/police clearance any indication of when we might receive a grant, as I believe there is only a validity of 12 months? 2. The processing time on the website says 19-20 months, so very surprised with the speed. We cannot make the move until June 2019, so will an early grant be a problem? 3. How long do we have to make the designated investment from the date of grant receipt? Will the department offer flexibility with an extension if required?

Hi there, We applied for the Business Visa (Investor) subclass 188b. Here’s the time line and status so far: - EOI and State Nomination (NSW) on 09/03/18 - Nomination granted on 31/03/18 - Visa application on 26/04/18 - Medical and police clearance completed - 25/05/18 Can someone help with the following questions, please? 1. Is the request for medical/police clearance any indication of when we might receive a grant, as I believe there is only a validity of 12 months? 2. The processing time on the website says 19-20 months, so very surprised with the speed. We cannot make the move until June 2019, so will an early grant be a problem? 3. How long do we have to make the designated investment from the date of grant receipt? Will the department offer flexibility with an extension if required?